Perfume, eau de parfum, eau de toilette—what sets them apart? As fragrance experts, we're breaking it down based on concentration, composition, and real-world performance.
Fragrances blend essential oils, alcohol, and water. The primary difference lies in fragrance oil concentration, which determines scent strength and duration, along with top, heart, and base notes.
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Perfume extrait offers the highest concentration at 20-40% fragrance oils. This delivers exceptional longevity, often lasting 8+ hours on the skin.
Eau de parfum contains 10-20% fragrance oils. Though often casually called 'perfume,' it's distinct from extrait, with solid staying power of 4-6 hours.
Eau de toilette has 5-10% fragrance oils, providing a lighter scent that typically lasts 2-4 hours—ideal for refreshing daily wear.